[Kaye]

Here is the answer from our FAQ's regarding what to do after the 5 Day Pouch Test.

Please discuss your plans for re-entry after doing the 5DPT.

What happens after the 5 days?

After the 5 Day Pouch Test is when things get exciting. Having successfully broken a carb-cycle, regained a feeling of control over the surgical gastric pouch and possibly losing a few pounds one is ready for re-entry into a compliant way of eating. This means focusing on protein rich meals, observing the liquid restrictions and avoiding starches, particularly processed carbohydrates and slider foods. Three meals a day should be two-thirds protein, one third healthy carbohydrate in the form of low-glycemic vegetables and fruits. Consumption of whole grains is not forbidden, but should be limited to one serving a day.

If necessary between meal snacks should be protein dense. Natural food protein is great including hard-cooked eggs, lean low-sodium deli meats, and limited servings of nuts or low-fat cheese. In addition, protein bars or beverages may be used for between meal supplementation.

Patients should drink at least 64 ounces of water a day and take their prescribed supplemental vitamins. Caffeinated beverages should be limited to one or two a day and carbonated drinks are discouraged. Alcoholic beverages should be limited to one per day or less.

Patients should commit to this way of eating for their lifetime.

[karen2]

Thanks, Gretchen. Working such long hours has been a problem for me, but I'm just going to make more of an effort to plan ahead. I'll certainly be able to fry up a double-batch of the tuna patties--they'd make a good lunch for me. I need a double-batch because they're not safe from my husband!
Maybe 4 oz of turkey slices w/a tomato?? I bring my lunch to work--no kosher places near me.
Hard boiled egg & piece of string cheese w/some tomato or 1/2 an apple?
This is starting to sound more do-able.
I'll also have to make more of an effort to have dinners ready...well, the talapia was good and EASY, steak is fast, yup, I can do this!

Question, do you still eat your meals within 15 minutes?

[toris]

Karen, I'm a big maker of chicken or fish (especially Tilapia and Salmon) sauteed up in some olive oil with just a little bit of salt and pepper. You can make a whole bunch and it heats up really well for leftovers (although co-workers might not like you nuking fish at work! LOL!) - and because you've only used salt and pepper, you can add additional seasonings (salsa, italian dressing, etc.) without problems.

Yes, I eat my meals in 15 minutes (hard not to - there's not that much! LOL!)

[Aseret]

WHAT I EAT ON DAY 6. Here's a sample for ya:

8:00 - Coffee w/SF creamer
10:00 - scrambled egg w/1 TBSP shredded cheese and 1-2 TBSP fresh salsa
12:00 (option 1) - 4 oz protein (fish, chicken, hamburger patty, etc.) + sliced tomato (probably 1/2 of a large)
12:00 (option 2) - 2 slices deli ham, 1 string cheese (easy when I'm on the run)
3:00 - SF pudding
6:00 - 4 oz protein (fish, chicken, etc.) + side of brocolli (or green beans) and sliced tomato
8:00 - SF pudding

**Sometimes I add in 1-2 "Peanut Butter Protein Balls" for extra calories and protein. Even then, very rarely does my calorie intake go over 1000. I try not to do them too often because they tend to make me not poop (sorry TMI).

Peanut butter protein balls is basically 2 cups of peanut butter, 1 cup of dry milk (nonfat), 1 cup of vanilla protein powder and 8 packets splenda. Makes about 36 balls with 9g protein each.

[Aseret]

Gee Toris...Those peanut butter balls sound great...what kind of protein powder do you use?

[janice from nj]

Karen, I'm a big maker of chicken or fish (especially Tilapia and Salmon) sauteed up in some olive oil with just a little bit of salt and pepper. You can make a whole bunch and it heats up really well for leftovers (although co-workers might not like you nuking fish at work! LOL!) - and because you've only used salt and pepper, you can add additional seasonings (salsa, italian dressing, etc.) without problems.

Yes, I eat my meals in 15 minutes (hard not to - there's not that much! LOL!)

Excellent tip on the chicken cooking. My biggest challenge is gaving food ready ahead of time. We live a fairly catch as catch can lifestyle and meals are done at odd hours. I need to have food made ahead of time or I just grab whatever is there or just don't eat at all. Neither is a good option. ;)

Any other ideas for do ahead appropriate food greatly appreciated. I'd like to be able to do most of my cooking for the week on the weekend if possible.

[Kaye]

Hey Gretchen - do you have any new wisdom for us here? I see you are down a rockin'awesome 86 pounds!!! No wonder we call you the Queen!

[Kaye]

Bump!

So, who is locked into the perpetual Day 6 way of living?

What are your Day 6 secrets?

[joyrn]

I did the 5dpt for the first time the first week of Feb '08, I continued with day 5 rather strictly for about 6 weeks....protein first (chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, etc) and veggies as my carbs. I do the 2 bites protein, one bite veggie. Then I got a little off track after about 6 wks, did the 5dpt test again at the beginning of April, and have stayed on track pretty well since then. I follow the drinking rules (non 30 mins before or after eating), get all my water in, some sort of exercise daily, I have lost 24 lbs since Feb, so it does work.....working on getting off the regained weight.

[Gretchen]

Hi, everyone - I LOVE Day 6!
It is such a simple way of eating. And once you have done it for awhile, cravings for carbs mostly disappear.
Oh, I should explain that I tried adding complex carbs such as whole grains back into my plan, but I was unsuccessful.
Other people have done it with varying degrees of success - it doesn't hurt to try. Many of our VERY successful neighbors include healthy carbs in their diet on a daily basis. It just isn't in the cards for me right now. So, you may be thinking - what does she eat besides meat, other high protein foods, and vegetables? The answer is - that's enough !!!!! There are so many protein sources and at least a hundred vegetables to choose from. I really never get bored. It is so worth it for me to eat like this. It really has turned into a lifestyle for me, and isn't just a diet. I owe it all to Kaye. I never would have figured this out on my own. We have done the research for you! If you REALLY want to lose the regain or your weight loss has stalled or you can't stop eating carbs or grazing, please join us. Do the 5DPT and then Day 6!

P.S. - I'm really sorry I missed Kaye's April 9th question - where was I ???????

[Cincygal]

I have been doing Day 6 for probably 10 days now and really haven't lost any more than I did on the first 5 days. I have not eaten any starches at all, which I have considered a huge success. The only ones I have had may be some bread crumbs on fish or chicken (5DPT recipe). I made baked oatmeal and have eaten it for either breakfast or snack, but not the same day and not every day. I have been eating veggies - spinach, raw veggies inc. carrots, a yam. I also have been eating fruit - strawberries, blueberries, an occasional banana. Could this be the problem? I also have a sf pudding on occasion after my meal - could this be a problem? I am just baffled.

One thing I began but was unable to stick to was working out on my elliptical. But I am having major problems with plantar fascitis (sp?) which makes it difficult to walk, so I am trying to baby my foot so that I am able to work and walk. Any ideas for exercise that doesn't involve feet? Will just floor exercises work?

HELP!!!

[~Jane~]

I replied to another thread to you on this topic, but theres a distinct possiblility that you didn't see it, so here ya go:

Hey Cincygal... I just wanted to tell you... for whatever reason once I started eating Day 6 style I wasn't losing weight either. I was even part of the 6 Week Summer Challenge and didn't lose diddly during that time. It was very educational for me though. I found that I wasn't eating enough calories and my body had gone into starvation mode, which even though I wasn't hungry because I was eating, my body was using every calorie I put in it to keep operating... I needed more calories. I was also exercising like a bandit... I experimented with that and thought that maybe I was exercising all of my beneficial calories away or something because I STILL wasn't losing. Well here's what I have come up with FOR ME.... I am now putting in about 1200-1300 calories a day and doing all of the exercise I want to... no matter how much it "burns away".... I don't care... because my body has FINALLY started to lose weight again! I of course try to keep the carbs, sugar and fat down and the protein up. I don't sweat about a few too many of anything once in a while, but am sure to not let it happen two days in a row. Ever. I have even been able to go out to restaurants and make good choices too, just like you. I just keep recording everything on thedailyplate.com and see where I stand that day. By the end of the week I average very well. So don't worry... your weight loss WILL happen eventually... but you have to "do like you did" when you were recently pot-op.... eat little bits a lot and exercise like crazy! Oh, and of course do that water wait thing!!

Oh, I just saw a public service announcement... it said, " Eat Well, Play Hard". Well, doesn't that just say it all!

On an added note: I have knee issues SOMETHING FIERCE! So my walking is pretty much "out". I've been doing Aerobic workouts from old Jane Fonda videos that I got at Goodwill and The Salvation Army. Ebay has lots of them too.... cheap but good! What I do is instead of bending my knees or jogging in place or whatever, I keep them straight but move my hips or "pump" up and down on my toes. I just KEEP MOVING to keep the aerobic workout heated up! I do a lot of floor work right on my rear. I "butt-walk" forward and back when they're marching around the room, man, it doesn't seem like it would, but hokey fright that works the upper legs and butt! I've lost SEVERAL inches and gone down 2 pant sizes in the past couple of months!

So yeah, floor work works!! My upper body is SO strong now too! I put ankle weights on when I'm doing straight legged leg lifts too... I got some from Wal*Mart that you can add 1/2 lb to at a time. Way nice... I'm up to full weight now on those and it's only been about a month since I began with those!

GOOD LUCK!

[Jermain Hawver]

Ok I have not done the 5 day diet as of yet and I look forward to doing it.
Can you live on this diet, say like try it 2 weeks straight?

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[~Jane~]

You won't die if you do the 5dpt for two weeks. lol It has really, really been tested and re-tested and for the most part 5 days is generally plenty for most folks to regain the the control that they once enjoyed with their eating. I can tell you that in the first week that you do it, you'll probably (but not absolutely) lose some weight. Some of it will be water weight. You'll gain control over any carb habits that have snuck back into your eating patterns. You'll also gain the habit of not drinking 30 minutes before or after eating and never with eating... this is hugely important to your success. You'll likely start exercising more than you probably already are right now because your energy level should pick up during the 5dpt. The 5dpt is a great time to work on the things in you mind that have made you regain some of the weight that you worked so hard to lose after wls. If you were to go into a 2nd week of of the 5dpt you wouldn't have the same kind of weight loss because you already lost the initial water weight. If you don't start adding in the fats and carbs that our bodies need to operate smoothly you'll run into issues with your bowels not moving without some help. Therefore if you're not going to the bathroom, you're retaining weight and you're likely feeling somewhat sluggish and not wanting to move. Not wanting to move makes you feel down about yourself, especially if the week before you were exercising well. So you're not pooping, you're not losing weight, maybe even gaining some due to retention and/or additional calories on your second Days 1 & 2 and you're not taking the time to set the good habits of Day 6 style of eating. If after you do the 5dpt you don't feel the control that you think it takes to carry on toward Day 6.... sure stay on Day 5 for an extra day or two. Honestly, probably don't need 2 weeks of the 5dpt. You need to start on Day 6 as soon as you can. Just go ahead and do the test and work from there. Take some time to plan you first couple of Day 6 menus while you're working on the 5dpt. Good Luck. Keep us informed as to how things are going... we'll help ya through this.

[mimi reed]

Hi -I eat very much like Toris, except that I can't do SF pudding. If I need a snack (only when I stay up late), I eatSF Jello. And I am so lazy, that I buy the ready-made kind (also it keeps longer). Toris and I follow the plan for Day 6 AS WRITTEN. I believe that is why we have been so successful. I'm sure there are others of you out there following the plan - but we two have been the most vocal about it! TorisThis way of eating has been a wonderful change for me.

Hi Gretchen - and your story is my inspiration for me to get this done! I've gained 45 lbs - 10 years post op...and I want to get back to where I will feel healthy and comfortable with myself. So I was wondering - did you follow the Day 1-5 exactly...can you give me a sample of your meal that you had for those days. What protein drink did you use?Thanks,MiMi

You won't die if you do the 5dpt for two weeks. lol It has really, really been tested and re-tested and for the most part 5 days is generally plenty for most folks to regain the the control that they once enjoyed with their eating. I can tell you that in the first week that you do it, you'll probably (but not absolutely) lose some weight. Some of it will be water weight. You'll gain control over any carb habits that have snuck back into your eating patterns. You'll also gain the habit of not drinking 30 minutes before or after eating and never with eating... this is hugely important to your success. You'll likely start exercising more than you probably already are right now because your energy level should pick up during the 5dpt. The 5dpt is a great time to work on the things in you mind that have made you regain some of the weight that you worked so hard to lose after wls. If you were to go into a 2nd week of of the 5dpt you wouldn't have the same kind of weight loss because you already lost the initial water weight. If you don't start adding in the fats and carbs that our bodies need to operate smoothly you'll run into issues with your bowels not moving without some help. Therefore if you're not going to the bathroom, you're retaining weight and you're likely feeling somewhat sluggish and not wanting to move. Not wanting to move makes you feel down about yourself, especially if the week before you were exercising well. So you're not pooping, you're not losing weight, maybe even gaining some due to retention and/or additional calories on your second Days 1 & 2 and you're not taking the time to set the good habits of Day 6 style of eating. If after you do the 5dpt you don't feel the control that you think it takes to carry on toward Day 6.... sure stay on Day 5 for an extra day or two. Honestly, probably don't need 2 weeks of the 5dpt. You need to start on Day 6 as soon as you can. Just go ahead and do the test and work from there. Take some time to plan you first couple of Day 6 menus while you're working on the 5dpt. Good Luck. Keep us informed as to how things are going... we'll help ya through this.

Jane, how are you doing with losing regain weight journey. I am going to start the 5 day soon and just need some information. Thanks for your post

[~Jane~]

I started my my LAWLS journey of losing the re-gain the day after I joined LAWLS. So that would be April 5th. Today is July 29th and this morning I stepped on the scale and am down to 20 pounds. I've been holding the 20lbs lost for a few days now. I hit a plateau not long after doing the 5dpt because I wasn't doing Day 6 quite right for ME. It's very individualized in a way. I was basically paranoid about getting any carbs in me and was extremely cautious (over-cautious) about the fat grams. Basically, I wasn't following the mantra of many.... KISS = Keep It Simple Silly! I was overthinking so much! Oddly my weight loss started to re-happen after I went to Vegas and "went off Day 6" - MY version of Day 6 that wasn't working anyway. Well howdy doo... I gained 5 lbs in Vegas but came back and for a week just ate Day 6ish... My portion size was too big, but I had been avoiding most carbs and fat. On monday I started the 5dpt. I did the 5dpt not because I didn't know if my pouch was working, cuz I knew it did. But I wanted to get back to the habits of the water wait and drop carbs for a full week. I didn't lose anything that week. I was okay with that, because I had gained the strength to get back to eating Day 6... only this time... I was putting in a few carbs and a few fats. I never quit exercising by the way. Since getting home from Vegas, (around July 1st) I've lost 9 lbs! Last week I was sick and took a few days off my exercise ritual, but ate right, and I've been slowly getting back to full exercise. I've also got M.S. so dealing with the heat and humidity have become my biggest obstacle. Pfft... it just means that I have to forego outdoor exercise and do what I can inside while the temps and humidity are up. I'd imagine by next week I'll be going at it full speed ahead again. Hopefully I'll start losing again, but even if I don't, I KNOW that I'm living a lifestyle that is SOOO much healthier than I've EVER lived in my life! All this time and I've never lost faith in what I an do for myself by following the 4 rules of wls success! I'm inspired by everyone here who sticks with it and keeps making healthy choices!

[Menji]

You won't die if you do the 5dpt for two weeks. lol It has really, really been tested and re-tested and for the most part 5 days is generally plenty for most folks to regain the the control that they once enjoyed with their eating. I can tell you that in the first week that you do it, you'll probably (but not absolutely) lose some weight. Some of it will be water weight. You'll gain control over any carb habits that have snuck back into your eating patterns. You'll also gain the habit of not drinking 30 minutes before or after eating and never with eating... this is hugely important to your success. You'll likely start exercising more than you probably already are right now because your energy level should pick up during the 5dpt. The 5dpt is a great time to work on the things in you mind that have made you regain some of the weight that you worked so hard to lose after wls. If you were to go into a 2nd week of of the 5dpt you wouldn't have the same kind of weight loss because you already lost the initial water weight. If you don't start adding in the fats and carbs that our bodies need to operate smoothly you'll run into issues with your bowels not moving without some help. Therefore if you're not going to the bathroom, you're retaining weight and you're likely feeling somewhat sluggish and not wanting to move. Not wanting to move makes you feel down about yourself, especially if the week before you were exercising well. So you're not pooping, you're not losing weight, maybe even gaining some due to retention and/or additional calories on your second Days 1 & 2 and you're not taking the time to set the good habits of Day 6 style of eating. If after you do the 5dpt you don't feel the control that you think it takes to carry on toward Day 6.... sure stay on Day 5 for an extra day or two. Honestly, probably don't need 2 weeks of the 5dpt. You need to start on Day 6 as soon as you can. Just go ahead and do the test and work from there. Take some time to plan you first couple of Day 6 menus while you're working on the 5dpt. Good Luck. Keep us informed as to how things are going... we'll help ya through this.

Thank you for this information. I thought I had done something wrong....I did the 5DPT last week and lost 7 pounds and thought I would do another week....but after two days I wasn't losing....even gained 3 pounds!! I was so upset.....but as you mentioned, I hadn't "pooped" and wasn't feeling the same as I did the last week. Still tried to stay "strong" but last night ate a bit more and added vegetables, etc and lo and behold this morning things starting "moving" and I do feel better and know I can do this. I just need to eat proten and vegetables and not try and stay on the 5DPT becauce of the reasons you mentioned. Thank you again........I feel like I can do this.........it's not me....I have to listen to my body and know what it needs. I have about 8 pounds of "regain" to lose and then I want to lose another 25 pounds to reach my goal as I never reached it in the first place. I just stayed at 220-223 for 2-3 years and then started gaining. I would love to be 195....I would LOVE to be 1 anything actually. I have no memory of ever weighing less than 200 pounds!!! Okay...enough...................just wanted to say THANKS!

[Kaye]

BUMP!

Hey Neighbors? Any "Day 6ers" out there?

What is working? What is not?

[DEBS2]

HEY KAYE IM A DAY 6 TODAY. GOING TO HAVE A SCRAMBLED EGG WITH CHEESE FOR BREAKFEST.NOT SURE WHAT LUNCH AND DINNER WILL BE YET.PROBABLY THE MEATS THAT I HAVE LEFT OVER FROM DAYS 4 AND 5.AND ILL ADD SOME VEGS TO MY DIET TODAY.IM FEELING GREAT.DOWN 4 1/2 LBS.

[lara]

Kaye and all,

I have followed the plan for "Day 6" for about a month now.
It has totally changed my life (and I'm not kidding). I feel
motivated, like right after surgery. I am losing weight rapidly.
I am exercising daily and following the 4 Rules. In addition,
for me I have cut out almost all carbs - except for vegetables.
Protein and vegetables - that's my plan. I am SO GRATEFUL to
be back on the losing track again.

Thank you, Kaye!
And thanks to a bunch of neighbors, too!

That is great! I am still on the 5 day and already feel the effects of my pouch tightening. What is the plan for day 6? and what are the 4 rules? I am so new I have no idea of what to do next.

[darlingbrandi]

Hello and thank you so much for all the great info. Kaye, what a wonderful thing you have going here.

Since I've started the 5dpt on 11/15/08, I haven't weighed myself to find out if I've lost anything. I've been having the all too common problem with constipation. What a dreadful problem to deal with but it's nothing new to me. Constipation has been an ongoing problem for me since I had WLS. Surely WLS is the biggest contributor to the problem but it also runs rampid(sp?) in my family. I have not moved on to day three yet because I want to resolve this problem first but after reading on this kick butt forum that most people have the same problem, I'll finally start day 3. As soon as things start "moving along" I will go weigh myself to see the progress.

Thanks so much for all the support and info. Hopefully I won't forget about this community and I will continue to lurk and post to keep me on track.